Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
His death was announced by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, in a post on Instagram on Wednesday.
Olusoji described the late actor as “the Lion of Lufodo” and said the family was grateful to God for his life and legacy.
“It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo,” he wrote.
He also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect the family’s privacy as they mourned the veteran actor.
“We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our family’s privacy at this time,” Olusoji added.
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Jacobs, who was born on July 11, 1942, built a career spanning theatre, television and film and became one of the most recognised figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and appeared in several British television productions before returning to Nigeria, where he established himself as a major figure in Nollywood.
Over the course of his career, Jacobs featured in more than 100 films and received several honours for his contribution to the performing arts.
Among the recognitions he received was the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in 2007.
He was also conferred with the national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2011.
Jacobs was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva. Together, they founded the Lufodo Group and Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts, contributing to the development of Nigeria’s theatre and film industries.
